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What Is Drift? A Response to Millstein, Skipper, and Dietrich

Matthen, Mohan (2010) What Is Drift? A Response to Millstein, Skipper, and Dietrich. Philosophy and Theory in Biology, 2 (201306). pp. 1-6. ISSN 1949-0739

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Abstract

The statistical interpretation of the Theory of Natural Selection claims that natural selection and drift are statistical features of mathematical aggregates of individual-level events. Natural selection and drift are not themselves causes. The statistical interpretation is motivated by a metaphysical conception of individual priority. Recently, Millstein, Skipper, and Dietrich (2009) have argued (a) that natural selection and drift are physical processes, and (b) that the statistical interpretation rests on a misconception of the role of mathematics in biology. Both theses are contested.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Matthen, Mohanmohan.matthen@utoronto.ca
Keywords: drift, natural selection, statistical interpretation
Depositing User: Users 15304 not found.
Date Deposited: 13 Jun 2014 16:51
Last Modified: 13 Jun 2014 16:51
Item ID: 10739
Journal or Publication Title: Philosophy and Theory in Biology
Publisher: Michigan Publishing, University of Michigan Library
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3998/ptb.6959004.0002.002
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.3998/ptb.6959004.0002.002
Date: May 2010
Page Range: pp. 1-6
Volume: 2
Number: 201306
ISSN: 1949-0739
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/10739

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